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Public Hlth Microbiolgst (Ent) (#332040)
$35.31-$42.92 Hourly / $6,120.68-$7,439.72 Monthly / $73,448.11-$89,276.65 Yearly




DEFINITION

Under general supervision, performs a variety of technical laboratory examinations in order to detect and identify microbial disease agents in support of general public health and clinic operations, and communicable disease control; performs related duties assigned.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This class is the entry level for the Public Health Microbiologist series.  Incumbents work with more experienced staff learning and performing duties in the diagnostic/reference laboratory of the Public Health Department; they may occasionally perform some duties in the outpatient laboratory or clinics.  Incumbents of this class are responsible to learn and perform laboratory examinations and help more experienced microbiologists while developing the expertise needed to perform at the fully qualified working level.  This class is distinguished from Public Health Microbiologist in that the latter is the full working level and is expected to work independently in the diagnostic/reference laboratory of the Public Health Department as well as outpatient laboratory or clinics.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Receives direction and leadership from more experienced Public Health Microbiologist staff.

Examples of Duties

Performs routine microbiological and related biological, serological, and biochemical examinations for the detection and identification of microbial, fungal, parasitic, and viral agents of disease, using defined procedures.

Performs routine examinations for the detection and identification of agents of communicable disease in matters pertinent to public health, outbreaks and emerging infectious diseases, using defined procedures.

Performs microbiological, physical, and chemical examinations of food, water, and other substances important to environmental sanitation, using defined procedures.

Prepares specimens for examination by using various stains, reagents, and equipment; learns to operate and maintain surgical and laboratory equipment.

Performs quality control measures to insure accuracy of results by using standardized tests on known pathogens kept in stock; learns to analyze and interpret laboratory data; learns to maintain records and prepare reports.

Assists with the planning, development, review, and evaluation of procedures, products, methods, and techniques.

Consults with private physicians, health professionals, and agencies on matters related to laboratory methods, procedures, findings and analyses.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of:

Knowledge of bacteriological, serological, mycological, parasitological, virological, and other microbiological testing procedures and methods.

Knowledge of the use equipment in a Public Health Laboratory.

Knowledge that will enable incumbent to perform microbiological tests.

Knowledge of principles of microbiology.

Knowledge of quality control practices used in laboratory work.

Knowledge of terminology commonly used in a Public Health Laboratory.

Knowledge of public health regulations and procedures.

Abilities:

Ability to perform a variety of microbiological tests; make decisions and independent judgments; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships; to collect and analyze data to draw logical conclusions and make appropriate recommendations; maintain accurate records and document actions taken; understand and follow detailed oral and written directions; research regulations, procedures and/or technical reference materials; maintain confidentiality of information.

Education and Experience

Applicants must demonstrate possession of and competency in requisite knowledge, skills and abilities.

A Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university with a concentration in Microbiology or one of the related life sciences, is required.  The equivalent of six months of training in microbiology in a public health laboratory is required.

Possession of a Public Health Microbiologist certificate issued by the California State Department of Health, Laboratory Field Services is required.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a Public Health Microbiologist certificate issued by the California Department of Public Health, Laboratory Field Services.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Incumbents may need a valid California driver’s license.

Independent travel may be required.

Incumbents must be able to work in an environment that may include exposure to communicable disease.

Candidates for employment may be required to sign a statement agreeing to comply with all applicable Sections of the Californian Penal Code relating to child abuse/elder abuse reporting as a condition of employment.


CLASS: 332040; EST: 5/12/2004; REV: 9/14/2011;